Firefighting foam, known as Aqueous Film-Forming Foam (AFFF), has long been hailed as a crucial tool in combating blazing infernos. Yet, beneath its firefighting prowess lies a complex web of chemical concerns.
As stated in a ScienceDirect study, per- and poly-fluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) from AFFF accumulate in firefighters’ blood serum. PFAS are a group of 5,000 different chemicals, many of which are present in AFFF class B formulations. In recent years, there has been a surge in lawsuits surrounding AFFF as communities and environmental groups grapple with its lasting impact.
In this deep dive, we explore the origins of AFFF, the chemicals at play, the legal battles unfolding, etc.
Understanding AFFF: Origins and Composition
AFFF emerged in the mid-20th century as a revolutionary firefighting tool. Its ability to smother flames quickly and effectively earned it widespread adoption by fire departments, military installations, airports, and industrial facilities.
The key to AFFF’s effectiveness is its composition, typically a mixture of fluorinated surfactants, solvents, and propellants. These are PFAS substances linked to various health problems. According to an NCBI article, most aqueous film-forming foams contain 1–5% per and poly-fluoroalkyl substances by weight.
PFAS compounds such as perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) and perfluorooctanesulfonic acid (PFOS) have been integral components of AFFF formulations for decades. PFOA and PFOS are widely known to be the most common PFAS substances in drinking water. As per a Nature Journal study, these substances are associated with plastic pollution and endocrine dysfunction.
Chemical Concerns: The PFAS Predicament
Despite their effectiveness in extinguishing fires, PFAS compounds have come under increasing scrutiny due to their potential health risks. These chemicals are incredibly stable, earning them the moniker “forever chemicals” as they resist degradation over time.
Consequently, PFAS have been detected in soil, water, wildlife, and even human bloodstreams worldwide. The Guardian states that almost 20 million acres of cropland may have been contaminated by PFAS-infused sewage sludge used as fertilizer.
The health implications of PFAS exposure are a subject of ongoing research and debate. Studies have linked prolonged exposure to PFAS to various health concerns, including increased risk of cancer, liver damage, immune system dysfunction, etc.
Concerns over these potential health risks have spurred regulatory actions and litigation against manufacturers of PFAS-containing products, including AFFF.
Legal Battles Unfold: AFFF Lawsuits Gain Traction
In recent years, communities affected by AFFF contamination have turned to the courts seeking accountability and compensation for damages incurred. According to TorHoerman Law, lawsuits have been filed against AFFF manufacturers, alleging negligence and product liability. Plaintiffs say manufacturers failed to warn them of the potential risks of PFAS exposure.
These AFFF foam lawsuits have been consolidated into multidistrict litigation (MDL). This MDL brings together hundreds of lawsuits filed by firefighting professionals and other individuals impacted by AFFF contamination.
As of 1 April 2024, around 7,738 cases were pending in this MDL, an increase of over 550 cases since March 2024. Plaintiffs in these cases seek remedies for a range of damages, including cleanup costs, medical monitoring, and compensation for health-related expenses.
If you have been diagnosed with cancer after being exposed to AFFF, you can also seek compensation for your damages. You can hire an attorney to file an AFFF foam lawsuit against the manufacturer.
Your lawyer will help you collect appropriate evidence to strengthen your case. If enough evidence connects your injury with AFFF exposure, you would be entitled to fair compensation.
The ramifications of AFFF contamination extend far beyond the confines of individual lawsuits. Communities grappling with AFFF pollution face significant challenges in mitigating environmental and public health impacts. Contaminated groundwater, surface water, and soil pose risks to drinking water supplies, agricultural lands, and wildlife habitats.
Towards Solutions: Regulatory Action and Industry Response
Recognizing the urgency of addressing PFAS contamination, federal, state, and local regulatory agencies have taken steps to regulate PFAS use. There are also regulations to ensure safe practices when disposing of PFAS.
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has issued health advisories for PFOA and PFOS. It has also set monitoring requirements for public water systems and initiated research efforts to better understand PFAS toxicity and environmental fate. According to The Lancet, at least 35 US states are supposed to introduce policies to control or ban PFAS chemicals.
In parallel, industries reliant on AFFF have begun to explore alternatives and phase out PFAS-containing formulations. Fire departments, military installations, and commercial entities invest in training programs, equipment upgrades, and alternative firefighting agents to reduce reliance on AFFF.
One of the best found alternatives to AFFF is Fluorine-Free Foams (F3). These foams are formulated without fluorine-based chemicals, such as per- and polyfluoroalkyl (PFAS). Although they are not as effective as AFFF, advancements in research can help make these alternatives more beneficial.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Does AFFF Affect the Environment?
AFFF contains per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), which are known for their persistence in the environment. When discharged, these chemicals seep into soil and water sources, posing risks to aquatic life and potentially contaminating drinking water supplies. The environmental impact of AFFF extends to long-term ecological disruption and concerns over bioaccumulation in food chains.
What Chemical Is Used in AFFF Foam?
Perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS) and perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) are the most common PFAS chemicals used in AFFF. These substances are valued for suppressing fires by forming a protective film that smothers the flames. However, their widespread use has raised significant health and environmental concerns due to their persistence and potential toxicity.
What Cancers Are Caused by AFFF?
Research has connected exposure to the PFAS chemicals in AFFF to several cancers, including cancers of the kidney, testicles, bladder, and prostate. These substances have also been linked to various other health problems, including immune system dysfunction, thyroid disorders, and developmental abnormalities.
To sum up, the surge in AFFF lawsuits underscores the urgent need to confront the chemical concerns surrounding firefighting foam. As communities grapple with the legacy of AFFF contamination, stakeholders must work collaboratively to mitigate risks, protect public health, and safeguard the environment.
Addressing the complex challenges posed by PFAS contamination requires a multifaceted approach encompassing regulatory action, industry innovation, and community engagement. We can move towards a safer, healthier, and more resilient future by fostering dialogue, promoting transparency, and embracing sustainable alternatives.
